Local Attractions

We are proud to support making great things happen in our community, including sponsoring some fabulous events. Ask at reception if there are any passes for events over the period of your stay or maybe a round at one of our sponsored golf courses!

Give us a call on (06) 759 9099 or 0800 843 338 to speak to one of our team and we can tailor a package to suit your requirements, or maybe tie in with an existing event. Alternatively, email us at [email protected]

Art & Culture

New Plymouth is home to many art galleries however at the top of the gallery pecking order is the Govett Brewster Art Gallery which has reopened alongside a new addition, the Len Lye Centre. The Len Lye Centre is dedicated to Len Lye, the kinetic sculptor, filmmaker, artist and poet and is the first gallery of its type in the country dedicated to a single artist. The Gallery itself is a sight to be seen, with a completely stainless steel facade, whereas inside the gallery is Lye’s archive, an education centre, a cinema and countless displays. One of Lye’s works can also be seen on the New Plymouth foreshore; the 45 metre high Wind Wand attracts daily visitors.

Puke Ariki is a multi-award winning museum and information centre located in the heart of New Plymouth. The museum houses four permanent exhibitions exploring Taranaki’s past, present and future as well as various temporary exhibits throughout the year and aims to inspire creativity, discover, adventure and excitement.

Scenic Walks

New Plymouth is lucky to be home to an award winning Coastal Walkway within a short stroll of the hotel. The walkway is an expansive sea-edge promenade stretching close to the entire length of New Plymouth. This stunning walkway is home to the iconic 45 metre Windward, a number of carvings, pieces of public art, the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and so much more. The walkway is ideal for walking, running, or taking one of our bicycles for an explore!

There are over 60 kilometers of walkways at nine different locations so you will be spoilt for choice. The coastline is also scattered with stunning beaches and we are the home to 16 parks and reserves including the 25 hectare PukekuraPark and neighbouring Bowl of Brooklands, located in the heart of New Plymouth.

Taranaki Garden Spectacular

Taranaki has a temperate climate and possesses a dichotomy of sunshine, healthy rainfall, wind shelter and a rich volcanic soil; as such it is perfect for growing plants from just about any environment. Many plants grow and flourish even better than in their native country, including pinus radiata. Rhododendrons from all over the world grow here alongside native rhododendrons.

Pukeiti's Gardens original 62 hectares took root as a rhododendron garden in 1951. It has bloomed into a world renowned 360 hectares boasting more than 10,000 rhododendrons, including 500 of the 800 known species, as well as 1500 hybrids. With a plethora of flowers, including daphnes, hydrangeas, hostas, azaleas, camellias, roses and magnolias, the dozens of public and private gardens in Taranaki have something to share year-round.

Thousands descend upon the region throughout the latter Spring months of October and November, during which many private gardens are opened to the public. An event not to be missed!

Womad

WOMAD - World of Music, Arts and Dance - is a world festival held in New Plymouth in March of every year. It is three days of music, culture, dance and arts with hundreds of international artists performing across multiple stages in the beautiful Bowl of Brooklands (a stunning natural amphitheatre located next to Pukekura Park). There are also a number of food stalls highlighting international foods, arts and crafts, workshops, cooking demonstrations and so much more!

Festival of the Lights

The Festival of the Lights is a festival that occurs every summer in New Plymouth and transforms Pukekura Park, a stunning botanical garden near the CBD, through thousands of multicoloured lights illuminating the 25 hectares of native bush in the park. The festival is a sight not to be missed and attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year.

The Festival starts with 'Christmas at The Bowl' in the beautiful Bowl of Brooklands (a natural amphitheatre that can seat thousands of people), with a concert, Carol singing, culminating with a firework display and the lights being switched on for the first time. The Festival continues throughout the summer until early February. The park stays open every evening to the public, and in addition to the amazing light displays the park hosts free live entertainment from both national and international performers, twilight movies in the park, roving buskers and a brilliant mix of daytime activities for children. The Festival of Lights is an event not to be missed!